Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced this week that Mexico will send humanitarian aid, including food, to Cuba. The decision comes as Cuba faces a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by fuel shortages and US pressure, including an Executive Order threatening tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island. Mexico will, however, hold off on oil shipments for now.
The United States has accused Cuba of interfering with the work of its top diplomat in Havana, U.S. Charge d'Affaires Mike Hammer, after he was reportedly heckled by groups of Cubans during meetings outside the capital. The State Department condemned the incidents as 'failed intimidation tactics' amidst escalating bilateral tensions.
A high-level Saudi official denied US media reports suggesting Riyadh urged Washington to attack Iran, reiterating the Kingdom's support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomatic means. The official also confirmed Saudi Arabia would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for military action against Iran.
Top U.S. and Israeli military leaders, including General Dan Caine and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, met at the Pentagon to discuss escalating tensions with Iran. The closed-door discussions follow a prediction by Israel's army chief of a potential U.S. military strike on Iran within two months, amidst a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $9 billion foreign military sale of 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia. The deal aims to bolster Saudi air and missile defense capabilities amid regional tensions.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has called on European nations to exhibit greater confidence in their dealings with Washington, cautioning against 'fear-driven politics' influenced by Donald Trump. Speaking to the RND media group, Pistorius emphasized the need for Europe to become more sovereign and independent, asserting that fear leads to poor decision-making.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni Kalagari, accusing him of overseeing the violent repression of nationwide protests. The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, also targeted an Iranian financier and two digital asset exchanges linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The US Embassy in Copenhagen faced strong criticism after removing 44 Danish flags honoring soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Placed by veterans in response to US President Donald Trump's remarks on NATO contributions, the flags sparked outrage among Danish officials and the public. The embassy later reinstalled the tributes, citing a misunderstanding of their purpose.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the dispute with the United States over Greenland is a 'strategic wake-up call for all of Europe' during recent talks with Danish and Greenlandic leaders in Paris. The declaration emphasizes European sovereignty and Arctic security amidst renewed U.S. interest in the territory.
Argentina's Milei government will seek Congressional approval to formalize its participation in former US President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace'. The initiative, launched in January 2026, aims to promote global peacekeeping, initially focusing on Gaza. Argentina is a founding member and was reportedly exempted from a $1 billion membership fee.
President Donald Trump warned Iran of a 'far worse' attack if it failed to negotiate a new nuclear deal, as the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force were deployed to the Middle East, escalating tensions in the region.
Canada's premiers are meeting in Ottawa on January 28-29, 2026, for their Winter Meeting, focusing on the economy, affordability, and trade. Discussions are heavily influenced by the upcoming CUSMA review and renewed trade tensions with the Trump administration, which has threatened new tariffs and questioned the agreement's value. Premiers aim to present a united 'Team Canada' front.
A bipartisan US congressional delegation's visit to Ushuaia, Argentina, has sparked criticism from the Peronist opposition, who suspect President Milei is pursuing a joint naval base. The US Embassy stated discussions focused on environmental and economic topics, including critical minerals.
The Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intent to begin a phased approach to potentially resume operations at the **U.S. Embassy in Venezuela**. This development follows the recent **U.S. military raid** that resulted in the capture of **Nicolás Maduro** and marks a significant step towards restoring diplomatic ties, which were severed in **March 2019**.
Montenegro and the United States observed 120 years of diplomatic relations on January 26, 2026, building on a celebration held in November 2025 in Washington, D.C. The milestone underscores their strategic partnership and ongoing military cooperation, including Montenegro's upcoming role in hosting the Defender Europe 27 Concept Development Conference.
Iranian authorities in Tehran unveiled a billboard depicting a wrecked US aircraft carrier with a stark warning, 'If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind,' as the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group entered the Middle East, escalating regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on January 25, 2026, that a U.S. security guarantees document for Ukraine is '100% ready' for signing. The announcement came after two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the deal is expected to codify long-term U.S. support for Ukraine.
Italian Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein stated that Italy should not nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her remarks came after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reportedly expressed hope for Trump to receive the award, linking it to peace in Ukraine. Schlein emphasized defending international law and criticized what she termed Italy's 'subordination to Trump'.
The United States has revoked the visas of two members of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council and their immediate family members. The action, announced by the US State Department on January 25, 2026, cites alleged involvement in gang operations and interference with anti-gang efforts in Haiti.
The Trump administration has released its 2026 National Defense Strategy, marking a significant shift in U.S. military priorities. The strategy emphasizes homeland defense, securing the Western Hemisphere, and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific through strength, while also calling for greater burden-sharing from allies. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted a 'peace through strength' approach.
